Manuel Jose, Egyptian Premier League titleholder Ahly’s ‎Portuguese coach, remains concerned about his team’s ‎defence capabilities after it was hit by a wave of injuries ‎ahead of a crucial clash with Ismaily slated for 13 ‎December.‎

Three back-liners – Wael Goma’a, Ahmed El-Sayed and ‎Ahmed El-Esh – were unable to participate in the Red ‎Castles’ last two friendlies, held during the current ‎domestic competition stoppage, due to injuries.‎

‎“We’re doing our best to prepare as many defenders as ‎we can,” Ahly doctor Ehab Ali told Ahram Online.‎

Sunday’s training session saw the arrival of Ramy Rabia ‎to the green, while Mohamed Naguib is scheduled to ‎begin his individual training next week.‎

‎“Sherif Abdel-Fadil will definitely not make it back before ‎the match with Ismaily, as he has a serious injury,” Ali ‎said.‎

The Cairo giants remain in the league driver’s seat with ‎‎14 points – 4 ahead of their archrivals Zamalek, who are ‎currently in fifth place.‎